10 Best Tours of Parks and Gardens in Granada

Granada is a city in the region of Andalusia, Spain, whose streets are dotted with beautiful natural spaces that invite you to explore them. Whether you set out on your own or join a guided activity, you will discover parks and gardens that are not to be missed.

During your stay, you will have many parks and gardens to choose from. For example, among the best things to see and do in Granada , you can lose yourself in the beauty of the Generalife gardens, take a stroll through Federico García Lorca Park, visit the gardens of the Paseo del Río Genil, and spend a unique moment in the Science Park, among other things.

A must-see on your 1- to 3-day itinerary in Granada or longer is the Generalife Gardens, the former summer residence of the Nasrid sultans. You will enjoy an impressive natural and architectural scene: fragrant flowers, the Islamic design of the main building and views of the city.

This activity usually departs from the city centre. You will travel by car with an expert guide to the Alhambra complex of palaces and courtyards. There, you will learn about Islamic architecture as you stroll through the Comares Palace and the Palace of the Lions.

Afterwards, the guide will take you to the Generalife gardens. You will be amazed by the fragrant aroma and the sound of water emerging from the fountains strategically placed in the courtyard. You can approach a pergola and, from there, enjoy a breathtaking view of the site and its surroundings.

With this guided tour of the Alhambra and Generalife gardens, you will immerse yourself in the past of medieval Granada. Without a doubt, this is an experience you will want to repeat every time you visit the city.

Details of interest

• Price: tickets to visit the Generalife and the Alhambra with a guide start at £74 per person.
• Duration: 3 hours.
• Transport: transfer by car.
• Advantages of this option: you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will provide you with accurate information about each destination.
• Disadvantages of this option: the tour may be a little short to fully enjoy the destinations.

Take a stroll through Federico García Lorca Park and enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of Granada. You'll find gardens and paths covering an area of around 71,000 m2 . There are also cultural and leisure facilities for all ages. Ideal if you're visiting Granada with children.

Once in the park, you can explore at your own pace. You will see the rose garden, considered one of the largest in Europe. You can walk along wide paths (Paseo de los Tilos or Paseo de la Alameda) and visit the Huerto de las Ranas, which stands out for its ponds and peaceful atmosphere.

You will also find many other interesting things, such as:

• Sculptures and monuments dedicated to the Spanish poet and playwright Federico García Lorca, to whom the park pays tribute.
• The children's area, with swings and other games for kids.
• A terrace where you can eat and recharge your batteries.
• Outdoor cultural events. For example, in summer (from the end of June to mid-September in Granada), you can enjoy free cinema in the orchard.

The Federico García Lorca Park is usually part of some free tours of Granada and other guided activities. However, you can enjoy this natural space on your own without any problems.

Details of interest

• Price: the tour on your own is free.
• Duration: the tour lasts about 2 hours, but you can spend as much time as you like in the park.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: the park is easy to get to, as it is located in the city centre.
• Disadvantages of this option: in summer it tends to be very crowded, which could be a bit annoying if you are looking for a quiet place to relax.

The gardens of the Paseo del Genil are a great option for enjoying nature in Granada. You can take a tour of this attractive natural space and enjoy its beautiful paths, picturesque views of the Genil River, and the Alhambra.

This panoramic tour of the Genil gardens will allow you to admire a wide variety of trees such as elms, poplars, and plane trees, along with picturesque seasonal flowers. As you walk, you will hear the gentle murmur of the water and, from certain points in the garden, you will see the Sierra Nevada mountains intersecting with the buildings.

In addition, this network of trails is home to iconic monuments that highlight the local history and culture. For example, the Puente de los Tristes (Bridge of the Sad ). After this relaxing experience, you can continue exploring the city. Perhaps visit the Cathedral or join a private tour of Granada.

Details of interest

• Price: free.
• Duration: approximately 1 hour.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you will get a privileged view of the city, with the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop.
• Disadvantages of this option: this tour is not suitable during the rainy season.

Another park that stands out as a must-see destination for a tour is the Parque de las Alquerías, considered one of the oldest in Granada. Explore its green areas, discover the recreational spaces it offers and enjoy a different experience.

Once you are in the park, you can walk freely along its paths while admiring monuments and sculptures, such as the Ciprés de la Sultana, sculpted in steel. You can also head to the grassy areas to lie down or do some yoga.

There is also a cycling circuit and a hiking trail so you can exercise while connecting with nature. And if you wish, you can have a picnic or barbecue, as there are special areas for both activities.

At the end of your experience in the Parque de las Alquerías, you can continue discovering the city and all it has to offer. For example, take a private bike tour of Granada, enjoy the best flamenco shows, join a tapas tour and more.

Details of interest

• Price: free.
• Duration: approximately 1 to 3 hours.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you can enjoy the outdoors with leisure and recreational activities.
• Disadvantages of this option: if you plan to have a barbecue during your visit, you must book the area in advance.

The iconic houses of Carmen de los Mártires are characterised by their beautiful gardens and orchards, making them a must-see destination during your 2-day visit to Granada or longer. You will discover an amazing collection of gardens and learn about Nasrid architecture, immersing yourself in local history and culture.

Accompanied by a guide, you will tour Cármenes Mártires and see gardens such as the following:

• The French Baroque Garden, with an impressive pond accompanied by a statue of Neptune and four other sculptures alluding to the seasons.
• The Palm Tree Garden, decorated with a three-tiered fountain, hedges and palm trees.
• The Spanish Garden, with a central pond bordered by rose bushes.

-The Landscape Garden, made up of two islands bordered by hedges that are home to ducks and swans.

Throughout this tour of Los Cármenes in Granada, the guide will provide information about the history of the place, the types of plants you will see and the Nasrid architecture. Without a doubt, an enriching experience. And, if you are in Granada in December, you will be amazed by the lighting in the area.

Details of interest

• Price: from £17 per person.
• Duration: approximately 2 hours.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you will enjoy beautiful gardens in a peaceful and cool setting.
• Disadvantages of this option: as these houses are residential, not all of them are open to the public.

The Botanical Garden is another destination to connect with nature during your 1-day stay in Granada or longer. You can take a stroll through this peaceful place and be amazed by all the native and exotic plants it houses.

Once you are in the Botanical Garden, located at the University of Granada in the city centre, you can take a short tour at your own pace through the world of botany. You will enjoy a series of paths adorned with plants, ponds and fountains.

As you delve into this wonderful natural environment, you will see collections of tropical, Mediterranean and native plants. You will also have access to the arboretums, the aromatic plant garden and the cactus and succulent garden.

As if that weren't enough, the garden's design incorporates several viewpoints that offer a privileged view of the city and the Alhambra. And if you happen to be there at sunset on a summer's day in Granada, you will enjoy a truly magical scene.

Details of interest

• Price: admission to the garden is free.
• Duration: around 2 hours.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you will learn about different types of native and exotic plants in a peaceful setting.
• Disadvantages of this option: the experience may be affected during the rainy season.

The Triunfo Gardens are a great alternative for enjoying the outdoors in the heart of Granada. You can take a walking tour through a large green area of around 14,000 square metres, surrounded by fountains, monuments and vegetation.

During this self-guided tour, you will stroll peacefully along wide sloping paths, overlooked by a historic monument to the Triumph of the Virgin. If you head to the lower area of the gardens, you will see a monument dedicated to Saint John of God.

Throughout the park you will see cypresses, cedars and other species of trees. You will also find around six fountains , including one that is approximately 75 metres long, which offers an amazing spectacle of light and water jets when night falls in Granada. Without a doubt, this is a great setting for taking some photographs.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Duration: 1 hour.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you will enjoy a natural refuge in the middle of the city.
• Disadvantages of this option: the use of bicycles and Segways is prohibited.

There are many parks and gardens to visit during your stay in the city, and the Science Park in Granada is one of them. Although originally conceived as an interactive museum, it has gardens and green areas that are well worth exploring.

As you walk through the park , you will find a botanical garden and a greenhouse with an important display of plant biodiversity. You will see more than 300 species of trees, herbs and shrubs. Afterwards, you can visit the tropical butterfly garden and interact with these species.

You can take a stroll through the science garden, which is a landscaped area with some temporary and permanent exhibitions. For example, it includes an exhibition of Iberian amphibians and reptiles and a reconstruction of the Dílar dolmen (Granada), a megalithic funerary monument, among other things.

The park also offers interactive exhibitions on technology, science, physics and biology. Before you leave, don't forget to climb the observation tower, where you can see the park and the city from a different perspective. If you are in Granada in autumn, you will be surprised by the change in colour of the landscape.

Details of interest

• Price: around £8 per person.
• Duration: between 3 and 5 hours.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you will get closer to the world of science and nature in one place.
• Disadvantages of this option: during high season, some exhibitions may require booking.

Miguel Ríos Park in Granada is another must-see destination to include on your route of parks and gardens. Discover this large green space and take a stroll through its extensive lawns and paths.

To access this park, named after the Granada-born rock singer-songwriter Miguel Ríos, head to the Zaidín neighbourhood, located about an 8-minute drive from the city centre. Once there, you can explore at your own pace a huge green area decorated with some 2,149 shrubs and at least 546 trees.

As you walk along the long paths lined with wooden fences, lime trees, firethorn hedges and maple trees, you will find rest areas where you can have a picnic and relax. There are also sports facilities, a children's area and a fountain with jets to cool off.

Details of interest

• Price: free.
• Duration: between 1 and 3 hours.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you will have large lawns and walking trails at your disposal.
• Disadvantages of this option: the park has fewer attractions than others. However, it is an ideal place to relax.

All of Granada's parks and gardens have a special charm, and Tico Medina Park is certainly no exception. Come and visit this destination and take a break from the busy streets of the city for a few hours. You'll have a unique experience.

When you arrive at the park, you'll notice that there is a dirt track that runs from one end to the other, marking your route. But you won't be limited to just this path. You can explore the place at your leisure, finding many grassy areas with leafy trees to shelter you from the sun, especially during August in Granada, one of the hottest months of the year.

During your walk through this park dedicated to the journalist Tico Medina, you will also find some special areas such as:

• The terrace bar, known as the Cabaña del Tico. You can enjoy a tapa, have a drink and share a pleasant moment with your travelling companions.
• A dog area, equipped with tunnels, a walkway, a wheel, etc.
• The children's area, with cushions, swings and slides.

Details of interest

• Price: free.
• Duration: approximately 2 hours.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you can breathe fresh air and take a break from the busy streets of Granada.
• Disadvantages of this option: the park does not have enough trees to provide shade along the entire route.

There are several reasons why it is advisable to take a tour of the parks and gardens during your 1 to 4-day trip to Granada or longer. The city has beautiful natural spaces steeped in history and culture, where you can escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in a peaceful atmosphere.

With this type of experience, you will have the opportunity to connect with nature and the history of each place you visit. You will see a variety of local flora, explore green trails and other outdoor spaces with beautiful landscapes.

Embarking on a tour of the parks and gardens of Granada is not a complicated task. You can do it on your own or through a guided experience. Whichever option you choose, it is important to take some basic tips into consideration :

• Choose the best time of day**.** The early morning and just before sunset are ideal for this type of tour, as you'll avoid the crowds and the heat. You'll also enjoy the landscape bathed in golden sunlight.
• Book in advance. Plan your guided activity or buy tickets online for the park or garden you want to visit, as they often sell out quickly. This is also good advice for visiting the Alhambra, as it is a very popular destination.
• Wear appropriate footwear. These types of natural spaces usually have trails and paths to walk on, so you will need comfortable shoes that protect your feet.
• Take some provisions with you. Remember that the tour can last a couple of hours or even longer, so you will need to stay hydrated and energised for the trip. You may also want to take the opportunity to have a picnic.